“Lay Holiness in the Salesian Family” by Fr Mathai Kottarathil SDB, a small booklet published in 2022 under the banner of Don Bosco Publications, Dimapur.
“Lay Holiness in the Salesian Family” by Fr Mathai Kottarathil SDB is a compelling and insightful booklet that explores the integral role of the laity within the Salesian charism. In this concise yet impactful work, Fr Mathai delves into the concept of holiness and presents a diverse range of examples to illustrate how lay members of the Salesian Family have embraced and embodied this call to holiness.
The booklet begins by highlighting the Salesian charism as a gift of the Spirit to the world through the Church. Drawing upon the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Fr Mathai emphasizes the renewed understanding of the role of the laity in the Church and the world. He underscores the laity’s vocation to seek the Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and ordering them according to God’s plan. This emphasis on active engagement in the world is a central theme throughout the book.
Fr Mathai goes on to showcase various individuals who exemplify lay holiness within the Salesian Family. The booklet features teenage saints such as Dominic Savio, Laura Vicuna, and Zefferino Namancura, highlighting their extraordinary lives of faith and virtue at a young age. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration for young readers, demonstrating that holiness is attainable regardless of age.
The author also presents the lives of youthful martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their faith. Their courageous witness and unwavering commitment to their beliefs offer powerful lessons in the pursuit of holiness, even in the face of adversity and persecution.
Furthermore, Fr Mathai focuses on the saintly Salesian cooperators, individuals who collaborated closely with the Salesians in their mission. Through the stories of Margaret Occhiena, Dorothy Chopitea, Alexandra Maria Da Costa, and others, the booklet emphasizes how these lay individuals played an active role in the life and activity of the Church, contributing significantly to the apostolate of the Salesians.
The author also explores the significance of lay collaborators and Salesian past pupils, illustrating how their involvement further extends the Salesian charism beyond the boundaries of the Salesian Family. By featuring individuals such as Alexander Planas Sauri and Simao Bororo, Fr Mathai highlights the diverse and essential contributions made by lay members to the Salesian mission.
One notable aspect of the booklet is the inclusion of a wide range of individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and historical periods. This diversity showcases the universality of the Salesian charism and how lay holiness can be pursued in various contexts. The booklet effectively demonstrates that anyone who shares in the Salesian mission can strive for holiness.
Overall, “Lay Holiness in the Salesian Family” is a thought-provoking and inspiring booklet that encourages readers to embrace the path to holiness within the Salesian tradition. Fr Mathai Kottarathil SDB expertly presents a comprehensive overview of lay holiness, drawing from historical figures and contemporary examples. This engaging work serves as an invitation for all members of the Salesian Family to pursue holiness and actively participate in the mission of the Church.
– (Dimapur Province Website Correspondent)
